Tester will lead DSCC in 2016

Senate Democrats have chosen Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) as the new chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on Thursday.

{mosads}Tester will be in charge of trying to win back the Senate for Democrats in 2016. He comes from the red state of Montana and has experience winning there.

The map will favor Democrats more in 2016, with races in bluer states, such as New Hampshire, Illinois and Pennsylvania. 

Tester told reporters Thursday he would seek out candidates that can “lead, that can win, that can advocate for the middle class.”

“I’m accepting this position to recruit and support candidates who understand the issues facing regular, working Americans,” Tester continued later in a statement. “Our country needs leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and responsibly govern to move our nation forward.  We need senators who support policies that strengthen the middle class, continue to grow our economy, and create prosperity for all Americans.  As Chairman, I recognize that every Senate race in this country is different and I understand the need for candidates to have the flexibility to run their own races.”

“Jon Tester knows how to win tough races and will have the trust and loyalty of the entire Democratic caucus behind him in our fight to take back the majority in 2016,” Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a statement. “I’m extremely confident in Jon’s ability to lead our effort to elect new Democratic leaders and reelect our incumbents across the country who will stand up for the people of their state and fight for American middle class families.”

“I’m accepting this position to recruit and support candidates who understand the issues facing regular, working Americans,” said Senator Jon Tester. “Our country needs leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and responsibly govern to move our nation forward.  We need senators who support policies that strengthen the middle class, continue to grow our economy, and create prosperity for all Americans.  As Chairman, I recognize that every Senate race in this country is different and I understand the need for candidates to have the flexibility to run their own races.”

Earlier Republicans chose Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to lead the National Republican Senatorial Committee for 2016.

This post was updated at 3:11 p.m.